Zero Day is a political thriller television series that delves into a global cyberattack’s aftermath. The show, which premiered on February 20, 2025, on Netflix, was created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt, with Lesli Linka Glatter in the director’s chair. The series stars Robert De Niro as former President George Mullen and Lizzy Caplan as Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen. The plot revolves around a devastating cyberattack, called “Zero Day,” which triggers a nationwide crisis, resulting in thousands of casualties and widespread panic.
Main Cast:
- Robert De Niro as Former President George Mullen
- Lizzy Caplan as Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen
- Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson
- Joan Allen as Sheila Mullen
- Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell
- Bill Camp as Director Lasch
- Dan Stevens as Evan Green
- Angela Bassett as President Evelyn Mitchell
- Matthew Modine as Richard Dreyer
- McKinley Belcher III as Carl Otieno
Recurring Cast:
- Clark Gregg as Robert Lyndon
- Gaby Hoffmann as Monica Kidder
- Mark Ivanir as Natan
- Mozhan Navabi as Melissa Kornblau
- Hannah Gross as Anna Sindler
- Cuyle Carvin as Agent Tom McCarthy
- Eden Lee as Special Agent Angela Kim
- Ryan Spahn as Leon Felton
Plot Summary:
The show is centered on a major conspiracy implicating the US government at the highest levels. The story reveals that Richard Dreyer, Speaker of the House, and tech mogul Monica Kidder, CEO of Panoply, are behind the catastrophic cyberattack. Kidder’s company is accused of being the key player in spreading malware, which led to the “Zero Day” attack, causing widespread chaos and the deaths of over 3,400 individuals. As investigations unfold, federal agents tie the cyberattack back to Panoply and Kidder. However, Kidder is found dead under suspicious circumstances, suggesting Dreyer played a part in silencing her. In an effort to uncover the truth, President Evelyn Mitchell appoints George Mullen, a former president, to head a commission to investigate the attack’s origins.
Episode List:
- Episode 1 (February 20, 2025)
- Episode 2 (February 20, 2025)
- Episode 3 (February 20, 2025)
- Episode 4 (February 20, 2025)
- Episode 5 (February 20, 2025)
- Episode 6 (February 20, 2025)
Production Notes:
The idea for Zero Day was born in November 2022, with Newman, Oppenheim, and Schmidt involved in writing and developing the script. With Robert De Niro onboard as both star and executive producer, the show quickly gained traction. Filming began in 2023 in New York, though production was briefly interrupted by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike before resuming in December of the same year.
Reception:
Critics’ reviews of Zero Day have been mixed. While the show has an approval rating of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 6/10, Metacritic’s score of 57/100 also suggests a divided reception. Some critics, like Lucy Mangan from The Guardian, appreciate the show’s portrayal of a man struggling in a world rife with corruption and compromise. However, others have criticized the series for its overly centrist approach, as highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. The show’s focus on tech elites, misinformation, and civil liberties has drawn attention for its topical relevance but left some feeling that it doesn’t fully engage with the issues at hand.